Welcome February!

And just like that, January 2026 is history. The months go faster and faster, don't they? A lot of folks complain about how l-o-n-g January seems to be what with all the nasty weather present in many areas, but I've never minded the month, regardless of where I am. Admittedly, January is a lot more agreeable in Florida, than in some places! *smiles*

 I have a January wrap-up collage to share, and a whole bunch of new stuff to tell you about. Let's get the collage out of the way first, and then I will share the new stuff in some upcoming posts.

TOP ROW: The first finish for 2026 was hand quilting and binding this single block that came from my Aunt Margaret's stash. She passed in 2016, and my cousin passed along her quilting stuff to me. This sweet block was hand-pieced and tucked in amongst quite a lot of interesting fabrics, blocks and unfinished projects. Next is my annual jigsaw puzzle, which was quite the challenge. I generally do one or two every winter, but this was so tough, I decided one would suffice for this year. At 1000 pieces, that orange foreground took forever. The first quilt flimsy of the year is this layer cake baby quilt. I am planning to finish it in time for the birth of our next grandchild in early April. 

MIDDLE ROW: I've watched loads of tutorials for making bags and pouches and wallets, and this particular one just looked too easy. After acquiring the snap kit, I have gone nuts making a bunch of these, and continue to make more - 2-3 at a time. It's a very satisfying fast finish. We took this selfie to send to granddaughter Cate, just to remind her of who we are - ha! We sure do miss those kiddos! The second flimsy of the year is my Wensleydale quilt. I absolutely love this quilt, and look forward to quilting it ASAP. 

BOTTOM ROW: We have a farmer's market near us where we get our eggs and select produce. They also have quite a nice array of flowers and herbs. This cheery table full of blooms is a sampling of their offerings. I have met a new group of quilter friends through a shuffleboard buddy, Charlaine. I went with her to a nearby community center where like-minded fabric enthusiasts meet and share and sew. I look forward to this becoming a regular feature of my Thursdays. Last, one of our favorite restaurants is The Freezer in Homosassa. Steamed shrimp fresh off the boat! Eight of us met for a leisurely outdoor lunch last week and stuffed ourselves full. Delicious.

Our winter in Florida is one month down, and two months remain. February is a short month, but it will be packed with fun, I'm sure!

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Jayne

Hello February!

Hello, February! We have completed the first month of our three months in Florida!

I hesitate to even mention that it was a colder stretch than normal because back home they had such extreme frigid temperatures. But for north-central Florida, we had plants die from frost. There were several days where we bundled up with sweatshirts, coats, gloves and toboggans.

Short-lived! We are in a stretch of days coming up where we will enjoy 80-degree days and plenty of sunshine. Ahhh, yes....

Our only noteworthy news planned for February is that we are expecting a visit from my brother and sister-in-law possibly as soon as later this week. Other than that, we'll do the ususal - shuffleboard, ride bikes, hit up the flea markets and thrift stores, maybe get out on the lake with our neighbors. 

My sewing for the month involves making some pillows for both beds, as well as for throw pillows on the sofa and love seat. I have made minimal progress on Smoked Cheddar - can you believe I forgot to bring a rotary cutter? Very hard to square up HSTs without one; Amazon is delivering two (small one, medium one) tomorrow. *wink*

Hope you have an awesome February! I sure plan to!

 

Happy Quilting, Friends!

 

Jayne

Hello February!

A lot of folks have a strong distaste for the long, dreary days of January, but this business of coming to Florida has cured that for us! January was a wonderfully fun month, and I eagerly look forward to February. The busy days vary considerably here, and we just never know how each day will unfold.

 I have my January collage all ready to go, but no time to share it now as we are off to shuffleboard momentarily. I will attempt to get the January wrap-up posted tomorrow. I have a couple other big goals for today, and you'll hear more about that tomorrow, too.

We did get the barn quilt hung yesterday. I am pleased with it, and only wish I'd made it slightly bigger. Hope I can remember that when the time comes for this one to be replaced. A long time off, hopefully.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Hello February!!

Gosh! It's hard to believe we are into February, don't you think? The winter months always seem like they are going to slog along, but by golly, here we are welcoming February already!

We are about 1/3 of the way through our Florida vacation, and it's certainly gone fast. We selected a suitable area - Inverness  - and we are close to relatives on both my side and DH's side of the family. Our fun is rather low-key by most standards, but we are enjoying our slow, quiet, lazy days here in sunny Florida.

We have been faithful in getting out daily to walk on the Withlacoochee State Trail which goes right through Inverness. It's well-cared for and quite a hot spot for recumbent bikes, regular bikes, and other walkers. 

I have been getting some sewing done, and will bring updates a bit more regularly as we seem to be settling into something of a routine, at last. The January collage will be up next, so come by tomorrow to read about my highlights. 

Here's a sneak peak at the baby quilt I was so eager to work on. I am so glad for that last-minute decision to cut it out and bring it along! It's been so very easy and lots of fun to work on. Pardon all the shadows and the uncropped edges - I didn't to a lick of editing on this photo.

It looks like too much light and dark pink-leaning colors, but blue, yellow and green are well-represented; I will work on better distribution when the blocks are all made. 

Here's to February! Let's make it wonderful!

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Hello February

Are you ready for a new month? I always look at a new month as a new opportunity to meet some goals and plan for some accomplishments. I am ready to get started!

And, we are a month closer to springtime!

On the goals list for the month is to finish some things! I have had so many starts in January, yet none are able yet to be counted as finished - that baby quilt still needs its binding; it is the closest to finished as I can get. I want to stay caught up with the Blockheads QAL and I want to continue dealing with scraps and quilting on the long arm.

Same-old-same-old, in other words.

That's okay by me; I never grow tired of the many facets of quilting. From cutting out new projects to stitching applique to quilting and binding, I enjoy it all.

Happy February, Friends!